The Titans haven't done nearly as much live kicking as they have in past seasons. That would be more understandable if they had a reliable veteran kicker, such as Rob Bironas, returning to the position.

The Titans cut Bironas in March, however, and turned over the competition to unproven Maikon Bonani and Travis Coons. It seems only natural the Titans would want to see both competitors kick as often as possible, yet there's been no sense of urgency.

Coons has been the better of the two so far, but do the Titans really feel good enough about the undrafted rookie to make him the man?

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Safety Daimion Stafford pauses during last week's game against the Saints.(Photo: George Walker IV / The Tennessean)

The emergence of Daimion Stafford

The Titans have three experienced safeties in Michael Griffin, Bernard Pollard and George Wilson. But with all three having played at least seven years in the NFL, there's a need for some long-term help at the position.

Enter Daimion Stafford, who's looking more and more as if he'll be able to fill a role.

A seventh-round pick in 2013, Stafford was primarily a special-teamer last season. But he's emerged to secure the fourth safety spot, thanks to his hard hitting and knack for being around the ball.

He looks like a solid option in the present and down the line.

Bishop Sankey's fumbling

Rookie running back Bishop Sankey has been impressive running and catching the football, but he put it on the ground too often during training camp.

On most occasions, his fumbles occurred during the "mesh" when quarterbacks hand the ball to the running back. Both Sankey and Titans coaches believe he needs to improve his footwork in order to be in better position for the handoff.

The Titans said Sankey wasn't a fumbler in college, but that might depend on how one reads the stats. According to CBSSports.com, he fumbled nine times in 687 touches (623 runs and 64 receptions) at Washington, an average of one fumble every 76 touches.

By comparison: former Titan Chris Johnson has averaged one fumble every 112 touches during his pro career, while current Titan Shonn Greene has averaged one in every 88.

But I'm now more inclined to jump on the hype wagon. Hunter has progressed faster than I imagined. He's bigger, more confident and is doing a better job of using his freakish athletic skills to full effect.

While it's true the regular season is a different animal, Hunter appears ready to become a consistent big-play threat.

First-team reps at outside linebacker

One of the questions I had before camp was how snaps would be divided at outside linebacker between Derrick Morgan, Kamerion Wimbley, Shaun Phillips and Akeem Ayers. What's surprised me is that Morgan and Wimbley have received virtually all of the first-team snaps.

I can understand that Morgan's athleticism and Wimbley's experience in the 3-4 defense are natural draws, but I'm surprised that Ayers and Phillips haven't gotten some first-team looks as well.

Ayers had 43 starts over the past three years, even if he is coming off a down season and a pair of knee surgeries. Phillips has been a starter for eight seasons, and he posted a combined 19.5 sacks the last two seasons.

It looks now as if Phillips and Ayers will be primarily used in pass-rushing situations.